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The declaration regarding a deal expected to result in the freeing captives held in the Gaza Strip for over 24 months has caused joy and relief across the nation.

A group which has campaigned for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza voiced “deep appreciation” for what it termed an “historic breakthrough”.

The deal—still requiring agreed upon the Israeli war cabinet—will see the release of 20 hostages alive as well as the remains of 28 dead hostages in exchange for 250 Palestinian detainees imprisoned for life in Israeli jails plus 1,700 individuals from the Gaza region.

So far, 148 captives have been returned—most as part of previous ceasefire deals—51 sets of remains have been recovered and eight hostages were freed by rescue.

Celebratory Moments in Hostages’ Square

Joyous gatherings have unfolded in Hostages’ Square in Tel Aviv as hundreds of people gathered ahead of the deal being signed.

The gathering started applauding and moving to music under US and Israeli flags—a female attendee holding up a sign saying: “We love Trump.”

“This is a wondrous day,” she expressed.

A different person, 50-year-old Yael, wept while observing the people celebrating.

“I’m very excited—it’s such a relief,” she said. “We must witness their return home to their families.”

• LIVE REACTION: Trump reveals Gaza deal
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Relatives Rejoice with Fireworks

The mom and sibling of a captive Israeli Matan Zangauker lit fireworks to mark the news of his impending homecoming.

“They’re coming back!... Matan is coming home!” Einav Zangauker said as she held her child.

Viki Cohen, the mother of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen, shared online: “My child, you are coming home.”

The delight could be felt in the streets in Tel Aviv following the announcement.

Released Captives Offer Prayers and Raise Glasses

Former British-Israeli hostage Emily Damari rejoiced with another freed hostage Romi Gonen, reciting prayers of thankfulness, then cheering “L’chaim”, meaning “for life”. She has advocated for the release of her friends, twins Gali and Ziv Berman.

Their sibling Liran Berman wrote: “My Gali and Ziv, I love you so much. You’re coming home.”

Gil Dickman’s cousin Carmel Gat was taken hostage in October 2023, with her remains recovered from a tunnel in Gaza almost a year later. He has been joining other hostage families in pushing for an agreement that brings the return of everyone still being held in Gaza.

“I can’t quite believe this is real. We’ve been waiting for so long and here it is,” he said.

He stated he felt “shattered” that his cousin would not be among those returning home but was “radiant with happiness” for the relatives of the hostages who are finally coming back.

Eitan Horn was taken from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling.

Guarded Hope from Family Members

Dalia Cusnir, whose relative by marriage Eitan Horn remains captive in Gaza, said she felt like she was living “a dream state”.

“We are immensely thankful to the President and all he has done on our behalf. We feel like it might be the beginning of the end of this nightmare, and embracing Eitan feels closer than before,” she commented.

But she cautioned that it was still too early to celebrate.

“Until the last hostage is here, we won’t open the champagne. We’re going to keep fighting... until it’s over,” she affirmed.

“Numerous events might occur up to the final instant which is why we’re being so, so careful. We simply wish to thank everyone who participated in the work and make sure this agreement is done... We shall rejoice only once the last captive is back home.”

Eitan was captured from kibbutz Nir Oz in Israel’s south together with his sibling Iair, who was freed from captivity through a truce agreement earlier in the year.

Related Developments

• ‘Historic chance’: World reacts to initial phase of Gaza peace deal
• Known details regarding the ‘initial stage’ of the Gaza accord

Israel-Gaza war | Israel | Hamas